Psychic thriller makes for great sci-fi movie

By Andrew Swan

So many movies based on comic books are being made these days and it is no wonder that some of them fall tragically short in comparison to their print counterparts. Very few comics or graphic novels can translate into silver screen gold, but Push finds a way to do just that. It is a refreshing and enjoyable sci-fi thriller that leaves a pleasant aftertaste and a big desire for more. Following the pair of Nick (Chris Evans, Fantastic Four) and Cassie (Dakota Fanning, War of the Worlds), Push travels through Hong Kong on a twisting plot complete with intrigue, humour and action. Nick and Cassie are just two of many hundreds of individuals who have various psychic abilities at their disposal, the result of Nazi war experiments in the 1940s that have been passed down genetically from generation to generation. Nick is a “Mover”– an individual who can use telekinesis– while Cassie is a “Watcher”– an individual who can see future events.


Nick and Cassie find themselves trapped in an intricate web when they unite with another psychic named Camilla (Kira Hudson), who is a “Pusher,” a person with the ability to implant lies and false truths in the minds of their intended target. All the while, the three are being tracked by the devious Agent Henry Carver (Djimon Hounsou, Blood Diamond) and his gang of psychics from “Division,” a clandestine government agency devoted to researching and using people with these abilities.


Push is an action thriller that pays off in spades. Not only is the plot original, it is also gloriously complicated and won’t make complete sense until the final scene. While this might sound unfortunate, the fact that it connects so well is what makes this movie great. The cast also shines as Evans pulls off his role with a charm similar to that of his Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four and Hounsou is the bad guy you can’t help but love because of his cool demeanor and cunning mind. Fanning’s performance is probably the best in the film, acting beyond her years as she plays a fiercely independent young teenager with a deep intellect and understanding of the world.


The action sequences are tastefully done and aren’t too overbearing or draining. They are snappy, clever and make great use of the various abilities the characters have– and there are lots: Bleeders, Stitchers, Shifters, Sniffs, Wipers, Shadows and more. Everyone will pick out a favourite ability they want to have because they are all just way too cool. Push easily invigorates the comic book movie genre with its clean action approach.